Korean visa types explained: D-2, D-4, E-2, E-7, F-4, F-6, H-1 and more

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Korean visas are named with a letter and a number, and the codes mean little at first sight. This guide explains what the common ones are for in general terms, so you can work out which category to research. It is not legal advice. Requirements, documents and permitted activities change, and your own situation decides what applies, so always confirm on the official sites below.

Short visits: visa-free entry and K-ETA

Many nationalities can visit Korea for tourism or business meetings without a visa for a set number of days. Some of these travellers need a K-ETA, an online travel authorisation applied for at k-eta.go.kr before departure. A temporary exemption from K-ETA for a list of countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Australia and much of Europe, has been extended year by year and currently runs to the end of 2026. Check the official K-ETA site for your passport before every trip. Visa-free entry or a K-ETA does not allow you to work.

Study: D-2 and D-4

D-2 is for degree study at a Korean university: bachelor's, master's, doctoral and exchange programmes.
D-4 is for general training, most commonly Korean language courses at university language institutes.

Both normally come through the school, which issues the admission documents. Part-time work is restricted and usually needs permission first.

Looking for work: D-10

D-10 is the job-seeking visa, used for job hunting and preparing to start a business, among other things. Many people switch to it after graduating from a Korean university.

Work: E-2, E-7 and E-9

E-2 is for foreign language instructors, most often native English speakers at schools and private academies. Our guide to teaching English in Korea covers it in detail.
E-7 covers professional jobs in designated occupations, such as engineers, designers and specialists, sponsored by an employer.
E-9 is non-professional employment through the Employment Permit System, for workers from partner countries in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture and fishing.

Work visas are generally tied to the employer or activity you were approved for, and changing jobs usually means reporting to or getting permission from immigration.

Residence: F-2, F-4, F-5 and F-6

F-2 is a long-term residence status. Several routes lead to it, including a points-based system for skilled workers.
F-4 is for overseas Koreans: people of Korean descent with foreign nationality.
F-5 is permanent residence, for people who meet the requirements after long residence, investment or other routes.
F-6 is the marriage migrant visa, for the foreign spouse of a Korean citizen and some related family cases.

Working holiday: H-1

H-1 is the working holiday visa, for young people from countries that have a working holiday agreement with Korea. It allows travel with some work to fund it. Age limits, quotas and the length of stay depend on your country's agreement.

Where to check and apply

Korea Visa Portal (visa.go.kr): visa information and online applications for some visa types.
HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr): the government site for foreigners already in Korea, used for reservations at immigration offices, extensions and changes of status.
Korean embassies and consulates in your country: the official requirements for applying from abroad.
Immigration Contact Center 1345: a phone line with help in several languages.

Practical points

If you stay longer than 90 days, you generally need to register and get a residence card. Our guide to moving to Korea covers the first weeks.
Do not overstay or work outside your permitted activities. Penalties can include fines, deportation and bans on future entry.
Book immigration office appointments early; slots fill up.
For anything complicated, consult the immigration office or a qualified immigration lawyer or administrative agent.

Which visa are you on, or trying to get? Share your experience or ask a question in the comments. Other readers often know the paperwork better than any website.